Safety Top Priority for Right-To-Work Protests

Lately, State Police cars are a common sight around the State Capitol building.

Since a massive amount of right-to-work protesters stormed the Capitol, Thursday, Michigan State Police have had the building under 24/7 watch. With an even bigger crowd expected on Tuesday when the State House is expected to pass the remaining right-to-work bill, inspector Gene Adamczyk says state troopers are ready to do whatever it takes if crowds get out of hand.

"Right-to-work is a very sensitive issue to a lot of people and people are allowed to protest," said Adamczyk. "However, we want them to do that in a safe manner."

That's the plan for union supporters. With Saturday's civil disobedience training in Dearborn and marshall training in Lansing, Sunday evening, unions are doing everything they can for a peaceful protest.

For the day of protest, nurses will be pulling double duty.

"Whenever you have a large crowd like that, accidents are bound to happen," said Debra Nault, a nurse and member of the Michigan Nurses Association. "We thought it would be a good idea to provide any kind of minor, minor medical care or help."

The nurses will be in direct contact with EMTs from the Lansing Fire Department in case an emergency arises, but nurses will also be looking to have their voices heard like everyone else.

"We just feel it's a very, very important issue that we keep our voice in the workplace because we're advocating for our patients," said Nault.

Several nurse are planning their own protest for Monday morning outside the Capitol building. They'll be standing outside with tape over their mouths to symbolize how they are being silenced by right-to-work legislation.

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